Skype launched version 1.4 of its VOIP software for the Windows platform on Friday, adding call forwarding and the ability to add customized ringtones. The new service entered beta in August. Like earlier versions, the service is free, although users will pay for the premium services, such as calls made to landline phones and mobiles.

Skype, which rose to international prominence through its multibillion-dollar agreement to be acquired by aucton site eBay, has grown its subscription base to 56 million people and 170,000 new subscriptions per day. The new software does not provide any integration with eBay, however. "We are passionate about really understanding what motivates people want to make Internet communications a part of their everyday lives, and listening to our callers about what they want from Skype allows us to stay ahead of the game," said Niklas Zennstrцm, chief executive and co-founder of Skype, in a statement. "Today, we are thrilled to be delivering on this promise by offering a new version of Skype which both new and existing callers will find adds powerful and innovative new features like call forwarding and personalization, as well as offering our best ever sound quality on our simplest product to install and use." The new Call Forwarding feature is a free service which allows a user to configure the service to forward calls to another Skype line or to up to three landline or mobile numbers, should the Skype user step away for a time. Users will pay SkypeOut rates to speak on the landline or mobile lines, although the forwarding service is free to the other Skype lines. Skype will also allow users to customize their Skype experience with ringtones and other personal features, through the new Personalize Skype service. Callers can buy ringtones, pictures or sounds at rates as low as a euro ($1.20) per purchase. Skype, which has formed developer networks and voice services to encourage third-party development, will initially partner with American Greetings, Qpass and Wee World, the company said. Ringtones now account for over 10 percent of the $32.3 billion worldwide music market, according to the Arc Group.

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